A Brief Introduction
Are you interested in dentistry but prefer working behind the scenes? A career as a Dental Mechanic might be just what you’re looking for!
Dental Mechanics are the skilled professionals who create and repair dental appliances like dentures, crowns, and braces. They work closely with dentists to ensure patients receive the best possible care for their oral health.
With opportunities to specialise and grow, becoming a Dental Mechanic can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the field of dentistry.
Who is a Dental Mechanic?
A Dental Mechanic is a skilled professional who designs, constructs, and repairs dental prosthetics and appliances. These include dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, and other devices used to improve the function and appearance of a patient’s teeth.
Dental Mechanics play a vital role in the dental healthcare system, contributing to patient care by ensuring that dental prosthetics are effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Career Scope as Dental Mechanic
The scope of Dental Mechanics in India is very promising. These skilled professionals are often required in various settings such as dental laboratories, private dental clinics, and hospitals.
They play a crucial role in designing and creating dental prosthetics, which are essential for restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Additionally, with advancements in dental technology, there is a growing demand for expertise in areas like CAD/CAM and 3D printing.
As a result, Dental Mechanics can look forward to diverse job opportunities, potential for specialisation, and career advancement.
Role & Responsibilities of Dental Mechanic
The primary responsibility of a Dental Mechanic is to create, build, and fix the pieces needed for treatments at the dentist’s office.
Some of the other responsibilities include:
- Creating Dental Appliances: Making dental appliances like dentures, crowns, bridges, and braces according to dentist’s instructions.
- Using Tools and Materials: Using various tools and materials such as metals, ceramics, and plastics to craft these dental appliances.
- Following Prescriptions: Following detailed prescriptions and instructions from dentists to ensure accuracy.
- Repairing Appliances: Fixing broken or damaged dental appliances and making adjustments for better fit and comfort.
- Collaborating with Dentists: Working closely with Dentists to understand patient needs and preferences.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: Keeping work areas clean and sterile to prevent contamination.
- Keeping Records: Maintaining accurate records of work done and materials used for each patient.
- Staying Updated: Keeping up with advancements in dental technology and techniques through ongoing learning and training.
Employment Scope Career Options for Dental Mechanic
There is a high employment scope for Dental Mechanics in India and in global market. Dental Mechanics have various job opportunities in government hospitals, dental clinics, and dental colleges.
They can also open their own dental laboratory and work in collaboration with Dentists. Similarly, they can also help improve dental technology by working in research and development.
Dental Mechanics can work with companies that make dental products to enhance the materials, techniques, and technologies used in making dental prosthetics.
Some of the top recruiters that hire Dental Mechanics include hospitals such as Apollo Group, Fortis, Medica, AIIMS, Manipal Group, and various laboratories.
Salary Range
The salary of a Dental Mechanic in India can vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of employment (private clinic, dental laboratory, hospital, etc.).
At the entry level, Dental Mechanics can earn around 2 to 4 lacs per annum. As their experience increases, they can earn significantly more.
Also, those who specialise in high-demand areas such as orthodontic appliances, and implants, or use advanced technologies (CAD/CAM) may demand higher salaries. Similarly, Dental Mechanics working in high-end dental clinics or specialised dental laboratories may offer higher pay than general dental clinics or government hospitals.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for a Dental Mechanic course is usually same for most of the colleges in India.
Below listed is the eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil.
- Candidates need to be at least 17 years of age.
- They should have cleared the grade 10+2 from Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects and from a recognised board.
- Students belonging to the general category must have secured at least 50% marks, while candidates of reserved category must have got at least 45% marks in Class 12 exams.
Steps to Become a Dental Mechanic
Dental Mechanics is a 2-year diploma course offered by various dental institutions in India. Candidates can do this course after completing the 10+2 from Science stream.
The admission to this course is merit-based, i.e. marks obtained in the grade 12 exams. Candidates can visit the institution personally or apply through the official website of the institution for taking admission.
Selected candidates can pay the applicable fees and complete the course to become a Dental Mechanic.
Skills Required to Become a Dental Mechanic
Dental Mechanic is a medical profession. So, it requires knowledge about dental anatomy, materials, and techniques.
In addition, certain training and skills such as good communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, manual dexterity, patience and politeness are equally important to succeed.
Syllabus for Dental Mechanic Course
Dental Mechanics is a 2-year diploma course. The syllabus can vary a bit depending upon the institution.
However, most of the colleges in India follow the below syllabus.
Year 1 | Year 2 |
Applied Physics and Mechanics | Dental Mechanics (Final) |
Applied Oral Anatomy | Basic Knowledge of Computers and Medical Record Management |
Applied Chemistry | Dental Materials and Metallurgy |
Dental Mechanics |
|
Dental Materials |
|
Dental Metallurgy |
|
Top institutions for Dental Mechanic Course
Several institutions in India offer a dental mechanic course. Aspiring candidates can choose an institution based on their location and the quality of the program.
Some of the top dental institutions that offer a dental mechanic course include: Dr DY Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pune and Mumbai, Banaras Hindu University, JSS Dental College & Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Jaipur Dental College, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre, etc.
Fees for Dental Mechanic Course
The fees for a Dental Mechanic course can vary as per the institution and location. Every institution has their fee structure.
However, on average the total fees for a 2-year diploma course is 1 lacs to 2.5 lacs. Also, some government colleges waive tuition fees for students who qualify for reservations and provide the necessary caste and income certificates.
Conclusion
A career as a Dental Mechanic offers good opportunities for those interested in the dentistry field. With the essential role of designing, crafting, and repairing dental appliances, Dental Mechanics play a vital part in ensuring patients receive effective and comfortable treatments.